Maharashtra to release water to Karnataka from Saturday

District in-charge Minister M.B. Patil at Baluti jackwell from where water was pumped to Kolhar jackwell in Vijayapura on May 5, 2017.

In response to Karnataka’s plea to release water to mitigate the severe drinking water problem in the districts of Vijayapura, Bagalkot and Belagavi, the Maharashtra government has agreed to release 3 tmcft of water from Saturday, said Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Minister said while a request to release 4 tmcft of water had been made, Maharashtra agreed to release 3 tmcft from Saturday.

Karnataka has paid an advance of ₹36 crore to Maharashtra towards its share for implementing the inter-State Doodhganga irrigation project. Water Resources Ministers of both States will meet soon to discuss the project, which is to be executed jointly for the benefit of both the States, the statement added.